The Devil in the White City

Erik Larson

Arrendar
Recíbelo en 24-48 horas arrendado



Cotizar Título
Confirmar Disponibilidad para Compra

The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson intertwines the stories of two men during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair: Daniel Burnham, the ambitious architect behind the creation of the fair's grand buildings, and Dr. H.H. Holmes, a charming yet sinister figure who used the fair to lure victims to his personal "murder castle." Burnham’s efforts to design and oversee the construction of the fair's towering structures, including the iconic Ferris wheel, were filled with struggles against time, political conflicts, and technical challenges. Despite these obstacles, Burnham’s perseverance led to the creation of a world-renowned event, symbolizing the technological progress and modernity of the era. However, while the fair dazzled millions of visitors, a darker tale unfolded in the city, as Holmes, a brilliant but twisted doctor, constructed a hotel designed with trapdoors, secret passageways, and soundproof rooms to carry out a series of gruesome murders.

Larson's narrative blends history with suspense, showing how the fair’s promise of a new era of progress and optimism coexisted with the terrifying reality of Holmes’s crimes. The book explores the lives of Burnham, Holmes, and the individuals caught in their respective webs, highlighting the contrasts between the visionary optimism of the fair and the darkness lurking behind it. As Burnham and his team worked tirelessly to bring the fair to life, Holmes’s manipulative charm allowed him to prey on vulnerable women, ultimately committing a string of murders that went unnoticed by many. Larson uses rich historical detail and vivid descriptions to capture the atmosphere of the time, making the reader feel as if they are part of both the excitement of the fair and the eerie undertones of the city’s shadowy corners. The story illustrates how ambition, innovation, and evil converged in one of the most iconic events in American history.